The science behind IgG testing

IgG stands for Immunoglobulin G, which is a type of antibody that our immune system produces in response to foreign bodies entering the body. When we eat, food is broken down (digested) into smaller fragments for easy absorption which then passes through the gut wall and into the bloodstream.

However, sometimes these fragments aren’t fully digested and when they pass through the gut wall our immune system recognises them as ‘foreign bodies’. Our immune system then sets about attacking them by making IgG antibodies to these foods to try and clear them away. When your immune system becomes overloaded and can’t cope with clearing away those unrequired food particles, then symptoms can occur. This will usually happen when you eat the problematic (trigger) foods on a daily basis.

A study has shown that those who eliminated trigger foods based on food-specific IgG test results had reductions in weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumference and improvements in all indicators of quality of life that were measured. The quality of life indicators included physical and emotional wellbeing, mental health, social life, pain levels and vitality [1].

Special offer

£20 OFF YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION WHEN YOU BUY ANY OF THE FOOD INTOLERANCE TESTS

Things to consider before doing a food intolerance test:

A pin-prick blood sample is required.

Some medications such as immunosuppressants or chemotherapy/radiotherapy can affect the results (never stop your medication without speaking to your doctor first).

IgG food intolerance test is not recommended for children under the age of 2 as there is a possibility of false negative results occurring.

Pregnancy suppresses the immune system so food intolerance testing is not recommended. Doing the test 6 weeks after giving birth should be fine.

Which test to choose

How many foods you should be tested for depends on how varied your diet is. It may be tempting to go for the most comprehensive test, but if you don’t usually eat foods included in that test, there is no point spending the extra money.

Bear in mind that foods that you most frequently consume or eat in large quantity are more likely to produce symptoms. IgG antibodies typically live for 3 to 18 months, so if you haven’t had a particular food for many months, the results may show you don’t have antibodies to it, even though you may react to it when you eat it.

Taking the test

CNS Food Intolerance Test Kit

Print your finger enough to draw blood.

Drop the blood into the tube.

Send it to CNS in a pre-paid envelope.

Results are usually available within 10 working days.

You can upgrade your test to a more comprehensive one for up to a maximum of 4 weeks from the date your first sample is received.

If you can’t post your test kit the same day you collected the blood, keep it in the fridge till the following day. I would recommend doing the test at the beginning of the week so that your blood sample is not sitting in a postal collection depot over the weekend.

You will find a step by step guide in the pack and I you can find the full blood sample collection instructions here.

If you have any questions about food intolerance testing, please get in touch to organise a free 15-min chat.

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